The transport secretary has reaffirmed Labour's manifesto commitment to fix up to one million more potholes a year.

Louise Haigh met with road workers and councillors on a visit to Blackpool to see the work being carried out to fix potholes and learn about high-definition imagery, which is being used to spot defects and speed up repairs.

The Project Amber scheme in Blackpool, uses an advanced imagery system that takes high-definition images of roads to detect potholes and compile data on areas most in need of repair.

Launched in 2019 by the Local Council Roads Innovation Group, Blackpool was the first local authority to use this technology to repair its roads.

Since 2019 Blackpool has seen significant reductions in its compensation bill for pothole related pay outs. In previous years it was paying up to £1.5 million a year to settle claims. Last year it only paid out £719.

Transport secretary, Louise Haigh, said: "For too long, this country has suffered from a pothole plague. Our roads have become a constant and visible reminder of the decline in our country’s infrastructure, which stunts economic growth.

"From drivers to bikers to cyclists, everyone who uses our roads deserves a safe and pleasant journey. That’s why I’ve pledged to support local authorities to fix up to one million more potholes per year.

"Blackpool Council are already doing fantastic work to make the most of new technology to repair potholes faster. This should be a model for every community to learn from and help deliver the roads their drivers deserve, so that Britain can get moving.

Councillor Paula Burdess, Blackpool Council’s cabinet member for community safety, street scene and neighbourhoods, said: "It was great to welcome the Secretary of State Louise Haigh to Blackpool today and show her how we deal with the issues around road maintenance and potholes.

"Blackpool has always been synonymous with innovation – how we look after our roads is no different. I’m really proud that Blackpool are leading the way nationally with innovative road maintenance.

"Our highways team work extremely hard to keep the roads functioning for residents and visitors to the town. We continually strive to use new methods that are quicker and less disruptive, alongside materials that are longer-lasting and better for the environment.

"By repairing the roads at an early stage we can also avoid more costly repairs in the future and ensure our roads stay stronger for longer to create a better Blackpool."